Igniter Support Pin Cooling Basket for High-Heat Combustors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively cooling igniter assemblies due to increasing heat loading and scarce cooling air, which can lead to igniter damage and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A support pin design with an array of small holes, known as a cooling basket, is integrated into the igniter assembly. This design impinges compressed air flow onto the igniter's exterior and interior, enhancing cooling without increasing air consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cooling methods are used for igniter assemblies, then the structure is simple, but the igniter durability decreases due to insufficient cooling under increasing heat loading
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin incorporates an array of small holes (porous structure) throughout its body, allowing cooling air to pass through and impinge on the igniter from multiple directions. This porous design enables effective cooling without requiring complex external cooling systems, thereby improving igniter durability while maintaining relatively simple support pin structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses compressed air flow through the support pin holes to create impingement cooling on the igniter. By utilizing pneumatic principles, the system delivers concentrated cooling airflow directly to the igniter surface, significantly enhancing heat removal efficiency and igniter reliability under high temperature conditions.
2Reliability
If cooling air flow is increased to improve igniter cooling, then the igniter durability increases, but the air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin features localized cooling holes positioned strategically to direct cooling air precisely where needed on the igniter surface. This local quality approach ensures that cooling air is delivered exactly to the hottest regions of the igniter, maximizing cooling efficiency and igniter durability while minimizing overall air consumption compared to uniform cooling approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is segmented into multiple small holes distributed across the support pin, allowing cooling air to reach different areas of the igniter simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive cooling coverage with moderate air flow, improving igniter durability without requiring excessive total air consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support pin wall thickness is uniform, then the manufacturing is simple, but the cooling effectiveness decreases under high heat loading
Solution Approach 1:
The support pin employs variable wall thickness with different sections optimized for different functions: thicker walls in regions requiring structural support and thinner walls in regions where cooling air flow is prioritized. This local quality differentiation enhances cooling effectiveness in critical areas while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cooling basket support pin design significantly increases igniter durability by providing additional cooling without increasing air consumption, allowing for operation at higher power and temperatures without risking igniter damage.
Implementation Method 1
The support pin defines support pin holes through which the air flow passes to impinge upon the igniter
Data Source
AI summary
A support pin of a combustor assembly is provided. The combustor assembly includes a casing of a combustor and an igniter. The igniter includes a main section and a tip from which sparks generated by the igniter within the main section are ejected. The support pin includes an exterior section, a main body and a tip section. The exterior section is connectable to the casing. The igniter is affixable to the exterior section. The main body is integrally formed with the exterior section and is disposable to surround the main section of the igniter. The main body has a first wall thickness and defines support pin holes. The tip section is integrally formed with the main body and is disposable to surround the tip of the igniter. The tip section has a second wall thickness. The second wall thickness exceeds the first wall thickness.